Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel Corp, predictor of home computing, and the creator of ‘Moore’s Law’ has died at the age of 94.
Intel Corporation
In July 1968, Gordon Moore famously co-founded Intel Corporation with Robert Noyce, who had previously co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor. Moore saw an opportunity to create a new company focused on the production of memory chips for computers.
Moore and Noyce had worked together at Fairchild Semiconductor, where they had made significant advances in the design and production of microchips but left to found Intel with the goal of producing high-quality, reliable memory chips that could meet the growing demand for computer memory.
At the time, the semiconductor industry was still in its infancy, and many believed that it would be dominated by large corporations such as IBM. However, Intel quickly established itself as a major player in the industry, thanks in part to the development of the world’s first commercially available microprocessor in 1971.
Acknowledged
Today, Intel is one of the world’s largest and most influential technology companies, producing a wide range of microprocessors, memory chips, and other computer components that are used in everything from personal computers to data centres to autonomous vehicles. Following the news of his death, Intel Corp acknowledged Moore’s contribution as the co-founder of its company and as a tech industry pioneer by saying in a tweet, “Today, we lost a visionary. Gordon Moore, thank you for everything.”
Moore’s Law
Back in 1965, in an article for Electronics magazine, Moore observed that the number of transistors on a microchip was doubling approximately every year and predicted that this trend would continue for at least another decade. This prediction, later known as “Moore’s Law,” has proven remarkably accurate, with the number of transistors on a microchip continuing to double every 18-24 months.
As a result of this trend, the cost of computing power has decreased exponentially, making it possible for personal computers to become affordable and accessible to a wide range of people. Moore’s insight into the future of computing power and cost laid the groundwork for the home computing revolution which began in the 70s and 80s.
Medal of Freedom
In 2002, Gordon Moore received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1990 from President George H.W. Bush for his contributions to the field of computer technology. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.
Moore was recognised for his role in founding Intel Corporation and for his contributions to the development of the microprocessor, which has revolutionised the field of computing and had a profound impact on modern society.
Philanthropist and More
In addition to his work at Intel, Moore has been a prominent philanthropist and supporter of education and scientific research, particularly in the fields of environmental conservation and the life sciences.
For example, in the 1990s, Moore was involved in efforts to conserve tropical forests in Indonesia, which were under threat from logging and other forms of development. Working with local communities and conservation organisations, Moore supported efforts to establish protected areas and sustainable forestry practices in the region.
Also, in 2000, Moore and his wife founded the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing environmental conservation, scientific research and patient care. One of the Foundation’s signature initiatives is the Marine Conservation Initiative, which supports efforts to protect and restore the health of the world’s oceans.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
Gordon Moore is widely accepted to be a visionary and pioneer in the field of technology who not only founded one of the most successful and influential technology companies in the world, but whose work and predictions laid the groundwork for the home computing revolution. The computer and semiconductor technology that he helped develop completely changed how businesses operate and is still central to the technology industry in the digital age that businesses now operate in.
Moore’s Law has proven to be remarkably accurate and has had a huge influence on business technology, for example by enabling businesses to perform more complex computations, process larger amounts of data, and run more sophisticated software applications. Miniaturisation lead to more portable and convenient devices (and the industries built-around them) with lower costs from more computing equipment due to economies of scale in microchip production. Also, the increasing computing power enabled by Moore’s Law has also played a crucial role in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. These technologies have the potential to transform many industries, from healthcare to finance to transportation, and are expected to become increasingly important in the years to come.
It should also be remembered that Moore’ philanthropic, environmental conservation and scientific research work have had a significant impact on society and the business world, helping to promote sustainability, advance knowledge, and improve the quality of life for people around the world.